Teenagers and younger passengers are being encouraged to use Oxford’s buses this summer after Oxford Bus Company extended its Get Around for £1 travel initiative.
At a glance
| Offer | £1 single journeys within Oxford’s CityZone |
| Who can use it | Passengers aged 18 and under with a Get Around Card |
| Card cost | £15 one-off application fee |
| Validity | Three years, or until the end of the month of the holder’s 19th birthday, whichever comes first |
| Where it applies | Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel and Pulhams services within the CityZone |
| Apply | Through Oxford Bus Company’s Get Around page |
Young people in Oxford can continue to travel around the city for £1 a journey after Oxford Bus Company extended its Get Around Card initiative.
The scheme allows passengers aged 18 and under to make single journeys within the CityZone for £1 when they hold a valid Get Around Card.
The card costs £15 and can be bought online or at Oxford Bus Company’s Gloucester Green travel shop. Oxford Bus Company says regular users typically begin saving after around eight journeys.
The initiative was first launched in 2017 and is designed to make bus travel more affordable for young people travelling to school, college, work, social plans or summer activities.
Where the £1 fare applies
The Get Around Card applies to Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel and Pulhams services within Oxford’s CityZone.
The CityZone covers routes inside the Oxford ring road, as well as services to areas including Kidlington, Botley, Cumnor, Hinksey Hill, Kennington, Blackbird Leys, Horspath, Barton and Wheatley.
Oxford Bus Company’s CityZone information says the zone covers most of greater Oxford, including Kennington to the south, Cumnor to the west, Wheatley to the east, as well as Blackbird Leys, Wytham and Kidlington.
Passengers should check before travelling, as Stagecoach services are not included in Oxford Bus Company’s CityZone tickets.
Why Oxford Bus Company is continuing the scheme
Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company, said the Get Around for £1 scheme had become a “flagship initiative” to encourage young people to travel sustainably.
He said: “If a Get Around Card user is travelling to school or college, or to meet up with friends and family during the holidays, every journey in our CityZone is capped at £1, making travel by bus a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution.
“It’s tremendous value, and an offer we encourage everyone aged 18 or younger to take full advantage of, especially during the summer months where Oxford and the city’s surrounds has so much to offer to local people and visitors alike.
“Even better, cards remain valid for three years or to the end of the month for a person’s 19th birthday, whichever comes first.”
How to apply for a Get Around Card
Applications can be made online through Oxford Bus Company or in person at the Gloucester Green travel shop.
Applicants need to provide proof of age, such as a passport, birth certificate or driving licence. Those applying in person also need a passport-sized photograph.
Oxford Bus Company says online applicants will need to upload a passport-style photo and proof that the applicant is aged under 19.
The card is not the same as a red Key card and cannot be topped up. It is used to unlock the £1 single fare within the CityZone.
What families need to know
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does the £1 fare apply automatically? | No. Passengers need a valid Get Around Card. |
| Can 18-year-olds use it? | Yes. The card is for passengers aged 18 and under. |
| How much is the card? | The one-off application fee is £15. |
| How long does it last? | Up to three years, or until the end of the month of the holder’s 19th birthday. |
| Does it cover all Oxford buses? | No. It applies to eligible services within the CityZone. Stagecoach services are not included in Oxford Bus Company CityZone tickets. |
Why it matters locally
For young people in Oxford, the scheme could make regular bus journeys cheaper during the summer holidays and into the next school and college year.
The £1 fare may also help teenagers travel more independently to meet friends, attend activities, reach part-time work or get to education without relying on lifts from parents and carers.
With the CityZone covering much of greater Oxford and nearby communities, the offer is likely to be most useful for families making repeated short journeys across the city and its suburbs.
FAQs
What is the Get Around Card?
The Get Around Card is an Oxford Bus Company card for passengers aged 18 and under. It allows eligible users to travel within Oxford’s CityZone for £1 per single journey.
How much does the Get Around Card cost?
The card costs £15 as a one-off application fee.
Where can the card be used?
It can be used on Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel and Pulhams services within the CityZone.
Is the card valid on Stagecoach buses?
No. Oxford Bus Company’s CityZone page says Stagecoach services are not included in CityZone tickets.
How long is the card valid for?
The card is valid for three years from issue, or until the end of the month of the holder’s 19th birthday, whichever comes first.
What documents are needed to apply?
Applicants need proof of age, such as a passport, birth certificate or driving licence. A passport-style photograph is also required.
Where can people apply?
Applications can be made through Oxford Bus Company’s Get Around page or at the Gloucester Green travel shop.
